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Man gets 18 months for car break-ins

Jordan Pritchard received a sentence of 18 months during Whitecourt Provincial Court on Jan. 9 for breaking into four cars and a residence.

He appeared in court via CCTV from the Edmonton Remand Centre.

On Dec. 28, 2016, Whitecourt RCMP responded to a call by a homeowner. The homeowner had footage of an individual trying to break into their vehicle. RCMP also took photos of footprints.

Three other nearby vehicles and a residence had also been broken into. Several wallets were stolen with cards used from one of them.

RCMP identified the perpetrator of these break-ins as Pritchard and went to his residence. They spoke with Pritchard and reported smelling alcohol on his breath. Pritchard then invited RCMP to search his residence where they found several items of interest, including a backpack with the stolen cards and a crowbar that was possibly used to commit the offences. An arrest soon followed.

Crown prosecutor Christine Palmer recommended that Pritchard be given a two-to-three year prison sentence. She added that he has six other break and enters on his record.

"Mr. Pritchard just hasn't seemed to learn the concept of private property and leaving alone other people's stuff," Palmer said.

Defence lawyer Crystal McMahon instead asked for 12-to-15 months.

"Drugs have always been an issue for Mr. Pritchard," McMahon said. "These aren't violent offences. However, these are very serious offences. He realizes that."

Presiding Judge Ken Tjosvold imposed a sentence of 18 months. Pritchard is also required to submit a bodily sample to the DNA databank and prohibited from owning a firearm for life.